Looking for a fall home maintenance checklist? I got you covered!
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for winter and the colder months ahead. Not only can it help prevent costly repairs, but it also ensures that your home stays safe, warm, and efficient throughout winter.
While some tasks may be common knowledge, I’ve included tips and pointers that many homeowners might overlook. Having owned several homes, flipped houses, and built apartments with my husband, I know that a fall exterior maintenance checklist is a must.
This comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist will guide you through the essential fall home maintenance tasks, leaving no stone unturned.
IN THIS ARTICLE
The Ultimate Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 8 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
1. Exterior Maintenance: Protecting Your Home’s First Line of Defense
As the temperature drops, your home’s exterior becomes your first line of defense against winter weather. Go beyond just checking for damaged siding or cracked shingles—think ahead. Replace any damaged caulking around windows and doors, and touch up the paint on any exposed wood surfaces to prevent water damage.
EXTRA TIP:
Don’t forget about your deck maintenance in the fall! Many homeowners overlook this part, but untreated wood can suffer during the cold months. Apply a water-repellent sealer before the snow arrives.
BONUS STEP:
Even though storm windows aren’t as popular these days, if you live in an area prone to harsh winter storms, installing storm windows or shutters are beneficial. They’re an additional layer of protection and insulation.
2. Gutter Cleaning and Inspection: Keeping Water Away from Your Home
While cleaning your gutters is a common fall task, it’s easy to overlook hidden issues. Check for loose or sagging gutters, and make sure your downspouts direct water away from your foundation. If necessary, extend them further away from your home to prevent pooling, which can cause foundation damage and leaks in your basement.
EXTRA TIP:
Many people forget about the downspouts. Use a plumber’s snake to clear them of debris, ensuring water flows smoothly away from your foundation.
BONUS STEP:
Install gutter guards if you haven’t already. These guards drastically reduce the debris buildup and make future cleanings much easier every fall.
10 Chic Fall Front Door Decor Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal
Discover how to elevate your home’s curb appeal this season—explore these chic fall front door decor ideas now!
3. HVAC and Furnace Maintenance: Ensuring Heat When You Need It Most
Your heating system is critical during winter, so don’t just rely on changing the air filter. Test your thermostat to make sure your furnace is working properly. Set it to a low temperature and make sure the heating system kicks on.
I’ve heard from so many friends that when they finally turn on their heat for the first cold day of the season, it often doesn’t work, leaving them stuck in the cold until someone can service the unit. That’s why it’s crucial to check your heating system ahead of time, so you’re not caught off guard when temperatures drop.
Along with that, make sure to clean or change your furnace and HVAC filters regularly. Dirty HVAC filters can not only reduce airflow, causing your system to work harder, but they can also lower indoor air quality and lead to higher energy bills. By cleaning or replacing your filters regularly—at least once every 30 to 90 days—you’ll be sure that your system runs efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns when you need it most. Plus, fresh filters help maintain better air quality inside your home, which is particularly important as we spend more time indoors during the colder months.
Lastly, don’t forget to also clean vents and registers to keep airflow steady.
EXTRA TIP:
If you have an older furnace, check for the pilot light in the front bottom area, and make sure it’s burning blue. A yellow or orange flame could mean poor ventilation, which might require professional servicing. This is often overlooked but can lead to serious issues.
BONUS STEP:
If you have a programmable thermostat, update your settings for the colder months to maintain efficiency and avoid unnecessary energy use.
4. Lawn and Garden Care: Prepping for a Healthy Spring
Most people focus on raking leaves, but there’s more to preparing your lawn. Fertilize it to provide essential nutrients and give it the strength to survive winter. Additionally, aerate your lawn to make sure it gets plenty of oxygen and nutrients while the roots are still growing.
EXTRA TIP:
After pruning your trees and shrubs in the fall, apply a layer of mulch around their base. This protects the roots from freezing and helps retain moisture.
BONUS STEP:
Drain and store your garden hoses to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Also, turn off your outdoor water supply to avoid frozen pipes.
How to Organize Your Closet for the Transition to Fall Clothing: A Simple 8 Step Guide
Get your wardrobe fall-ready too—follow these 8 simple steps to organize your closet now!
5. Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance: A Safe, Cozy Winter
Before firing up your fireplace, it’s important to ensure both it and your chimney are in good shape. Schedule a professional chimney sweep to remove creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Check the damper to make sure it works properly.
EXTRA TIP:
Many homeowners don’t think about the fireplace glass doors or screens. Make sure they’re clean and free of cracks or defects to prevent smoke from entering your home.
BONUS STEP:
While checking your chimney, also inspect your firewood. Keep it covered and off the ground to prevent mold and pests.
6. Sealing Windows and Doors: Cutting Energy Costs and Cold Air
Beyond replacing worn weather stripping, take a close look at your window frames and door seals. Drafts can increase your heating bills, so apply caulking to any cracks. If you notice condensation or ice buildup on windows during winter, it might be time for replacements, or you need to adjust your HVAC system.
While it’s tempting to crank up the HVAC to remove moisture from your windows, keep in mind that removing too much moist air in your home can dry out more than just your windows. It can lead to damage, especially to wood elements in your home, like cabinets and flooring, which may start to crack or split due to the lack of moisture. It’s best to balance your heating levels to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without stripping the air of necessary humidity. Using a humidifier can help maintain proper moisture levels, protecting both your home and your comfort during the colder months.
EXTRA TIP:
Use thermal curtains to keep heat in and the cold out. Many overlook this simple yet effective solution for cutting down on energy costs.
BONUS STEP:
Consider adding a draft stopper to your doors for extra insulation. These are inexpensive and easy to install but can make a big difference.
7. Safety and Security: Protecting Your Home and Loved Ones
It’s easy to forget safety checks, but they are just as important. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace any dead batteries. Install motion-sensing lights around entryways to enhance visibility and security during long, dark winter nights.
Check your dryer vent where it connects to the wall and on the outside of the house. Make sure it’s not clogged with lint and that you have a cover overtop so no rodents make their way into your dryer and home.
EXTRA TIP:
Consider having your electrical system checked for frayed wires or faulty outlets, especially if you’ll be using space heaters or additional lighting. These could become fire hazards if left unchecked.
BONUS STEP:
Stock up on ice melt and sand for your driveways and walkways to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Keeping these areas safe is critical during the icy months.
8. Roof and Attic Check: Preventing Leaks and Heat Loss
Your attic plays a major role in your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation can prevent heat from escaping and stop ice dams from forming on your roof. Look for water stains or mold in your attic, which could indicate leaks. Seal any gaps where pipes, vents, or cables enter your home.
EXTRA TIP:
Inspect your roof vents every fall to make sure they’re not blocked by debris. Adequate ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup in your attic.
BONUS STEP:
Check for signs of pests. Mice, squirrels, and other animals might seek shelter in your attic as the weather gets colder. Seal any entry points and place traps if needed.
By following this comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist, you’ll not only protect your home from winter damage but also increase energy efficiency and ensure a safe, cozy environment for your family. These are the tasks that make a big difference, often saving you from unexpected headaches later on.
Thank You Credits: Cover photo by Boryslav Shoot on Pexels.
Discover more from The Unscripted Femme
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.